Ware to receive nearly $800K in Community Development Block Grants

WARE — Gov. Patrick’s announcement last week of $27.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grants awards to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure improvements includes $799,984 for the town.

The money going to Ware will fund improvements to High Street; an infrastructure design project for Prospect Street; support domestic violence prevention initiatives; and fund a small number of home repairs for those income eligible.

Working with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which applied for the grant on the town’s behalf, selectmen had sought $939,917.33, and voted to pursue it in January.

“The grants to the Town of Ware and to the Ware River Valley (with Warren and Hardwick) support long-term efforts to stabilize the community by providing services, infrastructure and safe housing,” Ware Town Manager Stuart Beckley said. “The Town appreciates the award and the efforts of PVPC and the Ware Community Development department to continue to provide the support.”

Karen Cullen, the town’s Director of Planning and Community Development, said most of the funds will rebuild the road and sidewalks along High Street. The town has been using the block grants to improve a number of streets each year.

“The program has done so much for the town of Ware, particularly replacing the infrastructure, the road and the water line replacement work,” Cullen said. “It is critical to public health and safety.”

There is currently a sizable waiting list for private homeowners who are income eligible and seeking housing rehabilitation assistance.

The grant money target for that “will be minimal, probably only three or four” homeowners, she said.